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Another Lemony Snicket-y goody! Its only shortcoming as a book is that it's the first in a series and therefore a big tease. No revelations, just setup. But really funny, smart, enjoyable setup.
It's a fantastic audiobook--I dare say possibly better than reading it because the narrator does some awesome howling. Today I kept hearing "Lumawoo" and "Cassawoof" and "Nutsawoo" in my head. So great! ...more
It's a fantastic audiobook--I dare say possibly better than reading it because the narrator does some awesome howling. Today I kept hearing "Lumawoo" and "Cassawoof" and "Nutsawoo" in my head. So great! ...more
This book had me at "Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females." A delicious send-up of the whole destitute governess genre (or at least the Brontes) with a dash of children-raised-by-wolves and a very chatty narrator. This isn't realistic, gritty historical fiction, but a rarer brand of historical fiction that isn't afraid to poke fun and remind the readers that this all happened long ago. The tone is delightful, the pace is fairly brisk, and there's a mystery that remains unsolved at the end,
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I loved this book. Beautiful language and imagery. Penelope,a recently graduated governess travels to the wealthy Ashton household for her first position. It turns out the three children she is to attend to were literally raised by wolves and are being kept by the Ashtons for their recreational value. When Mrs Ashton (who abhors the children) plans to have a grand holiday party at her estate for Christmas, Penelope is charged with making sure the children are civilized and presentable-- no small
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Young Miss Penelope Lumley, freshly graduated from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, embarks on her first job as governess at a grand estate only to discover her three young charges are completely feral, as in orphans raised by wolves, and it is her task to civilize them. She is of a Jane Eyre-ish nature and doesn't shy away from the task. The children prove to be bright and charming themselves and she soon discovers it is not the wild children in the house who are the most lacking
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I need to reflect on this book before I write a review because, while very enjoyable, it was more of a parody than I would have liked. In addition, I would have preferred a longer book rather than one with such an indefinite ending/inevitable sequel.
The audio of this book is wonderful. Katherine Kellgren is an amazing narrator and she reminds me so much of Julie Andrews as Maria when she is voicing Penelope's words. And her voicing the wolf-like children is admirable. She howls with the best of them. The story is fun, but I was disappointed that the ending didn't tie up anything.
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Loved it! Looking forward to reading more in the series. I think I would also like to listen to them eventually. Jon Klassen's illustrations are great and definitely fit the feel of the book. I would love to use this as a book club selection, but I think it might be a little too difficult for the younger side of my 3rd-5th grade kids.
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I thought the premise of teaching children who had been raised by wolves and who were therefore, very canine in their habits was interesting. The children certainly are fast learners and who would think they would be so interested in learning Latin? Sort of a cross between Downton Abbey and the Unfortunate Events series.
Delightful! This is the book Lemony Snicket wanted to write.
Kind of an old-fashioned children's thriller adventure - who are the bad guys and who are the good guys? What can a well-trained, clever, self-sufficient young lady orphan hired to be governess to feral children do to make them presentable to society and why, after all, should she? And what is that bizarre noise in the house? Wish we knew - we'll all have to read the next book in the series to get a clue - well - to maybe get an answer. We get plenty of clues in this one.
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It's been a while since I found a series I really wanted to continue reading. Here's the most recent candidate! Hillllllllarious inside jokes to older/wiser readers, but not so much that it takes away from the main story for the target age group. My kids and I ADORE the three incorrigible children. Must read, and a great read aloud.
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A little slow at the start, but quickly became very endearing. I think my hesitation mostly comes from not having much patience for these stories where the narrator speaks directly to the reader... they come off a little condescending more often than not. But this one was cute enough to overcome that drawback and I'm actually curious to know what will happen next and find out the children's back story.
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I found this book so charming and funny. It reminds me of Jane Eyre, which is clearly intended to do. The humor and ways in which the author talks to the reader reminds me of Lemony Snicket. I really want to read the next book, unlike many tween mystery novels, I still have some things I haven't figured out about the story and that is very exciting.
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This book has been in my TBR for quite a while and suddenly I wanted to pick it up. Apparently, I fell in love easily with the story of three feral kids and their lovely governess. It has this Enid Blyton/Jane Eyre feels and I enjoyed it so much- especially because of the Christmas setting. Can't wait to read the sequels!
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Feb 29, 2012
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Aug 20, 2012
Ramona
marked it as to-read
